Mechanical posting apparatus



Aug. 28, 1951 R. A. WILSON MECHANICAL POSTING APPARATUS Filed' Aug. 5, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 NQE I N VENTOR flaw 41o 19mm Mme/l Aug. 28, 1951 R. A. WILSON MECHANICAL POSTING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 5, 1947 INVENTOR fem/4m Arum/ha g m Q66, (feds Aug. 28, 1951 R. A. WILSON- 2,555,712

MECHANICAL POSTING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 5, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 By mgwygr.

Patented Aug. 28, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT 2,565,712 OFFICE Application August 5, 1947, Serial No. 766,317 In Great Britain August 12, 1946 13 Claims.

This invention relates to an apparatus for use in the processes of manual accountancy and has for its chief object to evolve such an apparatus which will be effective in speeding up, simplifying and in making more accurate the work entailed in many branches of manual accountancy.

According to the invention the apparatus which includes a table or platform adapted to support one or more backing or record sheets or the like is provided with means whereby a recording strip or web of paper or the like may be led across the table or platform transversely with respect to said sheet or sheets while being maintained in a predetermined position relatively thereto. Preferably the arrangement is such that a predetermined feed movement may be imparted to the strip or web when required.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the apparatus comprises a table or platform adapted to support one or more backing or record sheets or the like, means for positioning a card, slip or the like on the table or platform and in a predetermined position with respect to said sheet or sheets, for entry purposes and means adapted on actuation to impart a predetermined movement to said table or platform or to the sheet or sheets after an entry has been recorded thereon.

In order that the said invention may be clearly understood and readily carried into effect, the same will now be hereinafter more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show two embodiments by way of example and in which:

Figure l is a plan view of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, a part being broken away to permit of better illustration.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of a part of the apparatus shown in Figure l, a part being broken away to permit of illustration of the Working parts.

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken on the line 3--3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a further embodiment according to the invention.

Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the machine shown in Figure 4 certain parts being removed and others being broken away to permit of better illustration.

Figure 7 is a sectional view showing a detail of construction.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings, it will be seen that the apparatus comprises generally a rectangular box like structure the top surface of which includes a pair of fixed marginal portions H) and II, and a central portion |2 which is movable longitudinally with respect to the marginal portions l0 and II and constitutes a sliding table or platform. Suitable mechanical means are associated with the table or platform l2 in order that a step by step motion may be imparted thereto, one convenient form of such means being illus- 2 trated by way of example in Figures 1 to 3. Fixedly mounted on the base l3 of the apparatus is a vertical post or the like M on which a hollow drum is rotatably mounted said drum being adapted to house a spring I6, such as a clock spring, one end of which latter is anchored to the post or the like I4 while the other is suitably connected to a convenient point on the interior of the drum. The peripheral wall of the drum I5 is formed with a helical groove or the like I'.', which is adapted to accommodate a cord or the like I8. The cord I8 is suitably attached at one end to a convenient point on the drum and at the other end to a convenient point such as that designated at [9 on the underside of the table or platform l2. Mounted on the upper surface of the drum I5 is a toothed wheel 29 with which a pivoted lever 2| is adapted to co-operate, said wheel 20 and lever 2| comprising a normal escapement mechanism. The lever 2| which is pivoted about the point 22 is adapted to be urged into the operative or looking position shown in Figure 1 by means of a spring 23. The actuation of the escapement mechanism which allows for a predetermined step by step motion of the table or platform I2 is effected by means of an actuating lever 24 mounted externally of the apparatus on a shaft 25 rotatably journalled in suitable brackets mounted at the underside of the marginal portion Ill. Mounted on the shaft 25 is an arm 26 which is connected by means of a link 21' to a rod 28, suitably supported for longitudinal Sliding movement in brackets 29. The rod 28 is formed with an enlarged portion 38 having an inclined slot 3| therein in which a pin 32 carried by a transversely extending rod 33 is adapted to engage. The rod 33 is supported for sliding movement in suitable brackets 34 mounted on the base of the apparatus and the arrangement is such that one end thereof is adapted to abut against the freeend of the lever 2|. It will be appreciated from the above that on depression of the lever 24 the arm 26 wil1 be swung in a clockwise direction thereby causing the rod 28 to be moved in the direction of the arrow A. The resulting movement of the rod 28, due to the action of the pin 32 in the slot 3|, causes the rod 33 to be moved inwardly or to the right as seen in Figure 1 to rock the escapement lever 2| against the action of its spring 23. Movement of the escapement lever 2| will allow a limited rotational movement in an anti-clockwise direction of the wheel 20 and of the drum I5 under the action of the clock spring l6, and such rotational movement of said drum will result in a shortening of the cord I8 and a corresponding movement of the table or platform l2. On return of the lever 24 to its initial position the rod 28 will be returned to its initial position thereby causing an axial withdrawal movement of the rod 33 and return of the escapement lever 2| to its initial position under the action of the spring 22. During the return movement of the escapement lever 2| the drum l5 will receive a further rotational movement whereby a further movement will be imparted to the table or platform 2. The arrangement above described is such that as a result of each completed movement of the escapement lever 2| following actuation of the lever 24 the drum I5 will be rotated by an amount equivalent to the distance between one tooth and the next on the wheel 25. It will be appreciated that once movement of the table or platform I2 appropriate to one actuation of the lever 24 has been completed, said table or platform will be positively locked against further movement until the actuating lever 24 is a ain I depressed.

In addition to serving as an actuating means for the escapement mechanism above described, the lever 24 is adapted. also to control the operation of a punch designated generally 34. In the embodiment illustrated the punch comprises a resilient blade like member 35, which is mounted on the marginal portion iii, and is formed ith a cutter portion adapted on operation to cut or remove a portion from the edge of a card or the like placed in position on said table or platform. The actuation of the punch is effected by means of a cam 35 which is fixedly mounted on the shaft 25 and is adapted to co-operate with a plunger 3'! in turn co-operating with the blade like member 35 constituting the movable element of the punch, the arrangement being such that on actuation of the lever 25 the blade 35 will be raised due to the action of the cam 33 andthe plunger 3'! and will be maintained in such raised position during continual depression of said lever to effect the longitudinal movement of the table or platform l2. On release of the lever 24 and on subsequent return movement of the latter to its initial position and thereby upon completion of the movement of the table or platform l2, the cam 35 will be returned to its initial position thus allowing the return of the plunger member 37 and of the blade element 35 to its initial position, such return movement of the latter element effecting the requisite punching operation. As indicated in the drawings the head of the blade like element 35 may be formed with an extension adapted to serve as a guide for any card, slip or the like present on the table or platform, such extension projecting above the level of the latter when the punch is in the inop- I erative position. Also mounted on the marginal portion Iil adjacent the punch is a. plate or the like 38 which is adapted to act as a guide to ensure accurate positioning of a card or the like with respect to the punch. In order further to assist in accurate positioning of any card or the like a further guide plate 39 may be conveniently mounted on the marginal portion It so that one edge is in alignment with the corresponding edge of the plate or the like 38. As indicated in the drawings, the plates 38 and 39 may be so mounted as to be adjustable in a lateral direction in order to vary the position of any card or the like inserted into the apparatus. If desired the arrangement may be such that the said plates may be moved into a position such that one edge thereof will be in alignment with the inner edge of the marginal portion lil. In such a position the plate 38 will nullify the punch, but in order to facilitate correct positioning of a card or the like in the apparatus, said plate may carry a suitable mark or indication with which such card or the like may be ali ned.

Also mounted on the marginal portions is a tally roll assembly, which includes a pair of The tally roll assembly also includes a frame designated generally by 46 which is adapted when in its operative position to extend across the table or platform 12 as shown in Figures 1 and 3. In the embodiment illustrated the frame 43 includes a pair of spaced longitudinal members 41 which may be of any desired length in relation to the width of the table or platform l2 and are mounted for pivotal movement about the axis of rotation of the, roller 43. The members 47 each have a bracket 48. mounted thereon or formed integrally therewith, such brackets being preferably formed with a slot or the like adapted to fit over and. to engage theshaft serving to support the roller 43 so that inaddition to allowing for the requisite pivotal movement of the frame the latter may be readily removed from the ap,- paratus when required by lifting the same so that said brackets 48. will be disengaged from said shaft. As indicated above and as will be apparent from the drawings the frame 43 is,

' when in its operative position, to lie flush against the top surface of the table or platform l2 but due to the pivotal mounting it is capable of being swung upwardly out of contact with said platform about the axis of the roller 43. Pivotally mounted on an extension of one of the brackets 43 is a pawl 49 which is adapted, when the frame 4% is swung upwardly, positively to engage the teeth of the ratchet wheel 45 associated with r the roller 43 in such a manner that a corresponding angular movement will be imparted to said roller. On return movement of the frame 45, the pawl 43 is adapted to ride over the teeth of the ratchet wheel 45, any tendency of the latter and hence of the roller 43 to make a corresponding reverse angular movement being prevented, by virtue of the provision of a suitably positioned resilient locking element 50' which is adapted to engage with the teeth of said ratchet wheel. The brackets 48 which are extended. upwardly are also adapted to provide a pivotal mounting for a pair of arms 52 carrying a roller.53. The arrangement is such that the roller 53 will be urged towards the roller 43 by means of a spring 5d disposed around the shaft 5! and acting upon .1 the arms 52.

At its free end, i. e. that end remote from the pivotal mounting, the frame 46 is adapted to carry a pair of freely rotatable guide rollers 55 and 56. Furthermore the construction is also preferably such that the area between the longitudinal members 4'! of the frame will be wholly or partially closed by means of a metallic shield or plate which may be formed integrally with or subsequently mounted on said members.

The tally roll assembly is such that the strip of paper is adapted to be led from the roll 4| under the roller 43 and thence along the underside of the frame 46 and around the guide roller 55, whereafter it is passed under the guide roller 55 and thence along 'the top side of said frame whence it is caused to pass between the roller 43 and the roller 53. It will be appreciated that when the frame 46 is swung upwardly awayfrom the table or platform l2,'an angular movement will be imparted to the roller 43 which will cause a predetermined length of the strip of paper to be drawn from the roll 4| and on the return movement of said frame 46 to the initial position, said strip will be caused to move by an amount equivalent to the length drawn from said roll to therightas is seen from the drawings, along the underside of the frame 45 and to the left along the upperside of the latter.

Means are also preferably provided for the purpose of clamping a ledger card or any other card or slip in position on the surface of the table or platform l2 and for that purpose a pair of rollers 51 maybe provided, said rollers being adapted normally to bear on the edge portion of the table or platform 12 being carried by a pair of arms 58 which are capable of pivotal movement about the axis of rotation of the roller 43 and are formed with a common extension 59 which is disposed atan angle to said arms 58 and is adapted to serve as an actuating means therefor. The arrangement is such that the rollers 5! will be swung upwardly away from the surface of the table or platform [2 on depression of the extension 59 such depression being effected manually or through the medium of the frame 46 when the latter is swung upwardly through a predetermined arc. Preferably the arms 58 are spring loaded as by means of a spring 6!] in order to ensure that the rollers 51 will normally assume an operative position wherein they will bear on the edge portion of any card, slip or the like present on the surface of the table or platform I2.

The table or platform 12 is adapted to support one or more record sheets, together with one or more transfer sheets, such as sheets of carbon paper and suitable means are preferably provided in order to retain the sheet or sheets in position- In the embodiment illustrated the table or platform I2 is provided at or adjacent each end with a series of pegs or the like Bl which are adapted to engage in suitably disposed apertures in the sheet or sheets and with which retaining bars 52 are adapted to cooperate in order to clamp said sheet or sheets in position.

Finally the apparatus may be provided with a serrated knife edge or other cutting device designated by 63, which is preferably so disposed on the marginal portion l2 as to be substantially in alignment with the frame 46. Where such a knife edge or the like is present suitable means such as a free rotatable roller 64 is also preferably provided, in order to position and'to hold the strip of paper during the cutting or severing process.

"The embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 7 is similar in many respects to that above described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, but instead of the box like structure including a movable table or platform such as that designated [2 it is formed with a fixed or integral upper surface 65 adapted to constitute a stationary table or platform on which one or more record sheets and/ or transfer sheets may be supported. In this case instead of moving the table or platform with the sheet or sheets thereon means are providedfor imparting a predetermined step by step movement to said sheet or sheets independently of and relatively to the fixed table or platform 65 such means comprising a rotatable roller 66 which is so mounted as to extend transversely of the apparatus at one end thereof, the axis of rotation of said'roll er being disposed below the level of the fixedtable or platform 65.so that the latter will order to position the record sheet or sheets and ensure movement thereof on rotation of the roller 66 a plurality of co-operating rollers 68 are provided said latter rollers being suitably spaced along a shaft 69 which is carried by a pair of brackets or the like!!! which are so mounted as to be capable of a limited pivotal movement. In order to impart a predetermined angular movement to the record sheet or sheets, when such a movement is required, the roller 66 has a ratchet wheel H associated therewith. Co-operating with the ratchet wheel I l is a pawl 12 pivotally mounted at the extremity of one arm of a double armed lever 13 said lever being fulcrumed or mounted for pivotal movement about a shaft 14 which also serves to support the roller 66. other arm of the lever 13 is adapted to carry a pin With which an arm 16, carried by a shaft 11, is adapted to co-operate. Mounted on the shaft 11 is an actuating lever 18, which corresponds to the lever 24 of the preceding embodiment and which, as is the case with said lever 24, is adapted also to control the operation of a punch 19 which latter is similar in construction to the punch 34 of the preceding embodiment being adapted to be actuated through the medium of a cam on the shaft 11 anda plunger 80. The arrangement is such that on depression of the lever 18 and subsequent rotational movement of the shaft 11, the blade like portion of the punch 19 will be raised while in addition the resulting movement of the arm 16, will, due to its abutment against the pin 15, cause an angular movement of the lever 13 thereby imparting a predetermined angular movement to the roller 66 due to the engagement of the pawl 12 with the teeth on the ratchet wheel H. The rotational movement of the roller 66 will cause the record sheet or sheets to be moved longitudinally of the fixed table or platform 65 such movement corresponding to that in the preceding embodiment wherein a table or platform l2 with the sheets fixedly mounted thereon is caused to move axially by a predetermined amount. Upon release of the lever 78 the parts will return to their initial position illustrated in the drawings, the pawl 12 riding over the tooth of the ratchet wheel H and into engagement with the next succeeding tooth ready for the next actuation, while the cam 89 will also return to its initial position thereby al-' lowing the blade like element of the punch to return to its initial position and thus to effect the requisite punching operation.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 7 also includes a tally roll assembly the construction and operation of which is precisely the same as that described with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the corresponding parts being designated by similar numerals. In place of or in addition to the card clip comprising therollers 51, arms 58 and extension 59, the present embodiment includesa roller 8| which is adapted to co-operate with the roller '56 and is so disposed as to bear on the marginal portion of any card slip or the like suitably positioned on the table or platform 65 and to retain the same in place. The roller BI is rotatably mounted on a pin 3| carried by an arm 82 which is in turn mounted on a shaft 83 rotatably supported in brackets 84, mounted on or forming an extension of the brackets 44 supporting the roller 43 and the frame 46. The arm 82 is spring loaded by means of a spring 85 so that the roller 8! will normally be urged downwardly towards the roller 66. Mounted on the shaft carrying the The roller 43 is a suitably shaped arm or the like 86 which is so constructed and arranged that, when the frame 46 is, swung upwardly away from the surface of the fixed table or platform 65 it will, after a predetermined angular movement of said arm,,co-operate with a further arm 81 carried by the shaft 83 and thereby cause the roller 8| to be lifted away from the roller 66 to release the pressure on any card slip or the like positioned. on the table or platform 65. As is the case withthe preceding embodiment that shown in Figures 4 to 7 is also preferably provided with a serrated or other suitable knife edge or cutting blade 63 disposed substantially in alignment with the tally roll assembly a roller 64 or other equivalent device being provided'for the purpose of. positioning and holding therstrip or web'of paper which is to be cut or severed. Furthermore suitable guide or positioning means such as the plates3'8' and '39 are also preferably suitably disposed on the surface 65 in order to facilitate accurate positioning of cards, sheets, slips and the like employed in the apparatus.

It will be seen that the apparatus above described may be modified in many respects, the two embodiments described being purely exemplary. The apparatus according to the invention is adapted for use in connection with and to facilitate all types of posting work connected with manual accountancy and it may be employed .in varying ways. For example in the'preparation of a sales ledger and statement a backing or record sheet with a sheet of carbon paper maybe placed on the table or platform l2 or in the case of the embodiment described with reference to Figures 4 to '7, on the surface 65. In the case of the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 the record sheet or sheets will'be clamped in position. on the table or platform l2 by means of the retaining bars '62, while in the second embodiment it or they will be held at one end between the rollers 66 and the co-operating rollers 68. The strip of paper forming part of the tally roll assembly is then led from the roll. 4| and around the frame 36 in the manner indicated above, said frame 46 being thereafter swung upwardly to such an extent that it will effect the raising of. the rollers 57 or in the, second case of the roller 8'! to allow of introduction of a ledger card therebeneath. The card is so posirtioned as to contact the guide plates 38 and. 39 and in order to ensure that it will be correctly positioned for posting it is formed initially with a cutaway portion shaped to conform to the cutter portion of the punch, the arrangement being such that the card will be slid along the table or. platform l2 or 65 until the cut away portion registers with the cutter portion of said punch whereupon correct positioning of said card will be automatically ensured. With the card in place the frame it is returned to its initial position illustrated in the drawings whereupon the rollers 51 or roller 6| will return automatically to the operative position firmly to grip said card. The apparatus is-then ready for the necessary entries to be made which may for example be effected in the. following manner. The old balance appearing on the card is recorded on the strip or web of paper at a suitable point where the latter passes over the top of the frame 46 and the amount to be posted is then entered on the card which is preferably so designed that the column within which the amount is to be posted will be aligned or substantially in alignment with the point at which the entry of the old balance was made on the strip or web of. paper. The entry of the old balance will not be recorded on the record, sheets due to the presence of the metallicshield or plate disposed between the longitudinal members of the frame 46'. Having made the posting, on the card, the new balance, which may be readily obtained by vertical addition or sub.- traction is then inserted on the same line and in its correct column normally to the right of the posting column thereon, whereafter the actuating lever 24 or "I8 is depressed to effect. the predetermined movement of the table or plat-- form I2 or the predetermined rotational movement of the rollers 61 and hence movement of the card and of the backing or record sheet. Upon release of the lever 24 or-"l8 the punch will be operated to punch or remove a further portion from the edge of the card so that when the latter is again inserted into the apparatus it will: automatically assume a position such that it will be correctly placed for a further entry to be made thereon. The frame 46 is then swung away from its operative position to move the rollers 51 or the roller 3t and torelease the card whereafter a new card may be introduced for entry purposes. When the frame 46 is returned to its operative position after each actuation the strip of paper will be moved along the upper side thereof thereby presenting the posting clerk with a space for the entry of the old balance appearing on the next card. It will be appreciated that after each posting the backing or record sheets or sheets is to be moved up by a predetermined amount so that successive entries will be-suitably spaced on said sheet or sheets which when all the necessary postings have been effected will provide a record of such postings and new balances such that the amounts may be readily listed or added to prove that the amounts posted are correct and to give atotal of new balances. The slip of paper bearing the amounts of the old balari'ces may also be removed for listing and checking,

with the posting of purchase ledgers, costing ledgers and the like.

The apparatus may also be utilised without the frame 46 and the recording strip or web of paper in connection with the entry of cheques, receipts, or the like and with the preparation of paid cash books, received. cash books and the like. Insuch cases a backing or. record sheet and one or more sheets of carbon paper are positioned on the table or platform l2 or. 66 the cheque. receipt or the like being thereafter placed in the required position for entering, the punch serving as a stop and ensuring correct positioning, of each cheque, receipt or the like for entering purposes. The cheque, receipt or the like to be entered may be clamped in the required position by means of the rollers. 51'. or the roller Bl which in this case may be operated directly by hand; After each entry has been made, the cheque, receipt or the like which has been entered is removed and the actuating lever 24 or 18 is operated to move the record sheet or sheets through the requisite distance whereafter a new cheque or the like may be inserted in the required position for entry. Upon completion of all entries the backing or record sheet or sheets will constitute a complete record of such, entries and will in fact represent a cash paid book; cash received book or the like.

Again the apparatus may be employed in connection with the preparation of earning records, pay rolls and thelike and in such cases the frame 46 is also preferably removed. When the apparatus is employed in connection with the preparation of pay rolls forexample, one or more backing or record sheets, together with two or more sheets of carbon paper or the like are placed in position on the table or platform I2 or 66 and the strip or web of paper is led from the roller 4| under the roller 43 and across said table or platform being also led under the top sheet of carbon and under the guide roller 64-01 other equivalent device which is disposed adjacent the knife edge or other cutting blade 63. When the strip or web is in place one or more pay record sheets and the requisite carbon sheets are clamped in position by means of the rollers 51 or the roller BI and the amount to be paid is entered on the top record sheet being also recorded on the strip or Web. After each payment the portion of the strip or web bearing the record of such amount may be torn off and handed to the payee as a record of the amount paid. As in thepreceding examples the backing or record sheets have a predetermined movement imparted thereto by virtue of the actuation of the lever 24 or 18 after each entry has been made and such sheets will furnish a complete record of all entries made.

In this case also the punching device will serve ;;r

branches of manual accountancy and by means of which the Work entailed may be simplified, speeded up and made more accurate. Furthermore due to the movement imparted to the recrd or backing sheets, the operation of the punch or equivalent device and to the functioning of the recording strip or web of paper, it is possible to make postings on ledger cards or sheets carrying a continuous balance of the account .to date, to extend a new balance as part of the posting operation by means of vertical as opposed to cross addition or subtraction and to prove both the posting and the extension of the new balances at the end of each batch of postings or at any convenient point.

What I claim is:

1.. Apparatus for use in the processes of manual accountancy and comprising a platform adapted to support at least one record sheet and at least one transfer sheet,.a support. disposed adjacent one of the edges of said platform, an arm supported for pivotal movement adjacent one end thereof in said support, such arm being capable of being swung into and away from an operative position wherein it extends across the upper surface of said platform, means adapted to hold a supply of paper in strip form and means whereby a portion of said strip of paper may be led around and. held in position relatively to'said arm in such a manner that when the latter is in its operative position said strip will be held extended acrossthe upper surface of the platform.

2. Apparatus foruse in the processes of manual. accountancy and comprising a platform adapted to support at leastone record sheet and at. least one transfer sheet,.a support disposed adjacent one of the edges of said platform, an arm supported for pivotal movement adjacent one end. thereof in said support, such arm being capable of being swung into and away from an operative position wherein it extends across the upper surface of said platform, means adapted to hold a supply of paper in strip form, means whereby a portion of said paper strip may be led around and held in position relatively to said arm in such a manner that when the latter is in its operative position said strip will be held extended across the upper surface of the platform and means for imparting a predetermined movement to the platform and hence to the record sheet and the transfer sheet after an entry has been recorded thereon.

3, Apparatus for use in the processes of manual accountancy and comprising a platform adapted to support at least one record sheet and at least one transfer sheet, a support disposed adjacent one of the edges of said platform, an arm supported for pivotal movement. adjacent one end thereof in said support, such arm being capable of being swung into and away from an operative position wherein it extends across the upper'surface of said platform, means adapted to hold a supply of paper in strip form, means whereby a portion of said paper strip may be led around and held in position rgelatively to said arm in such a manner that when the latter is in its operative position said stripwill be heldextended across the upper surface of the platform and means for imparting a predetermined movement to the record sheet and the transfer sheet after an entry has been recorded thereon.

4. Apparatus for use in the processes of manual accountancy and comprising a platform adapted to support at least one record sheet and at least one transfer sheet, a support disposed adjacent one of the edges of said platform, an arm supported for pivotal movement adjacent one end thereof in said support, such arm being capable of being swung. into and away from an operative position wherein it extends across the upper surface of said platform, meansadapted to hold asupply of paper in strip form, means whereby a portion of saidpaper strip may be led around and held in position relatively tosaid arm in such a manner that when the latter is in its operative position said strip will be held extended across the upper surface of the platform, means for holding a sheet form article on the platform and in a predetermined position with respect to the record sheet and means for imparting a predetermined movement to said platform and hence to the record sheet and the transfervsheet after an entry has been recorded thereon.

5. Apparatus for use in the processes of manual accountancy and comprising a platform adapted to support at least one record sheet and at least one transfer sheet, a support disposed adjacent one of the edges of said platform, an arm supported for pivotal movement adjacent oneend thereof in said support, such arm being capable of being swung into and away from an operative position wherein it extends across the upper surface of said platform, means adapted to hold a supply of paper in strip form, means whereby a portion of said paper strip may be led around and held in position relatively to said arm in such a manner that when the latter is in its operative position said strip will be held extended across the upper surface of the platform, means for holding a sheet form article on the platform and in a predetermined position with respect to the record sheet and means for imparting a predetermined movement to said sheet and the transfer sheet after an entry has been recorded thereon.

6. Apparatus for use in the processes of manual accountancy and comprising a platform adapted to support at least one record sheet and at least one transfer sheet, a support disposed adjacent one of the edges of said platform, an arm supported for pivotal movement adjacent one end thereof in said support, such arm being capable of being swung into and away from an operative position wherein it extends across the upper surface of said platform, means adapted to hold a supply of paper in strip form, means whereby a portion of said paper strip may be led around and held in position relatively to said arm in such a manner that when the latter is in its operative position said strip will be held extended across the upper surface of the platform and means for imparting a feed movement to the strip of paper resultant upon pivotal movement of said arm.

7. Apparatus for use in the processes of manual accountancy and comprising a platform adapted to support at least one record sheet and at least one transfer sheet in superimposed relationship, a support disposed adjacent one of the edges of said platform, an arm supported adjacent one end thereof in said support for angular movement relatively to the latter into and away from an operative position wherein it will extend across the upper surface of the platform, a feed roll spaced from but in alignment with said arm and adapted to hold a supply of paper in strip form, a roller disposed between said feed roll and the arm in such a manner that a length of the paper strip, drawn from said feed roll and led around the arm, will in its passage from the one to the other also pass around said roller, a ratchet wheel associated with said roller to rotate therewith and a pawl associated with the arm in such a manner that on angular movement of the latter from its operative position a corresponding angular movement will be imparted to the roller to cause an additional length of paper strip to be drawn from said feed roll, such strip being moved endwise relatively to said arm on return movement of the latter to its operative position.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein at least one guide roller is associated with the arm to guide and to facilitate the movement of the strip of paper relatively thereto.

9. Apparatus for use in the processes of manual accountancy and comprising a platform adapted to support at least one record sheet and at least one transfer sheet, a support disposed adjacent one of the edges of said platform, an arm supported for pivotal movement adjacent one end thereof in said support, such arm being capable of being swung into and away from an operative position wherein it extends across the upper surface of said platform, means adapted to hold a supply of paper in strip form, means whereby a portion of said paper strip may be led around and held in position relatively to said arm in such a manner that when the latter is in its operative position said strip will be held extended across the upper surface of the platform, a roller adapted to engage the record sheet and the transfer sheet in such a manner that on angular movement of said roller a movement will be imparted to said sheets and means adapted on actuation to impart a predetermined angular movement to said roller.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the means for imparting a predetermined angular movement to the roller comprise a ratchet wheel associated with said roller to rotate therewith, an actuating lever, an arm coupled to said actuating lever, a pivoted lever with which the arm is adapted to co-operate and a pawl carried by said pivoted lever and arranged to co-operate with said ratchet wheel, the arrangement being such that on an angular movement being imparted to the actuating lever, the pivoted lever will :be moved to cause a rotational movement of the roller due to the engagement of the pawl with the ratchet wheel. v I

11. Apparatus as claimed in' claim 2 wherein the means for imparting movement to the plat form comprise a drum rotatable about a fixed axis, resilient means adapted to urge said drum .to rotate in one direction, an escapement mech- 'anism adapted to control the rotational movement of the drum under the action of the re- 'silient means, means adaptedto control the actuation of the escapement mechanism and a cord secured both to the drum and to the platform the arrangement being such that on actuation of the escapement mechanism the drum will rotate by the resilient means bya predetermined amount to wind the cord therearound and thereby to impart a movement to the platform.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the means for imparting movement to the platform comprise a drum rotatable about a fixed axis, resilient means adapted to urge said drum to rotate about said axis in one direction, an escapement mechanism adapted to control the rotational movement of the drum under the action of the resilient means, a rod mounted for longitudinal sliding movement back and forth in a predetermined path and adapted to co-operate with the escapement mechanism, an actuating lever adapted on operation to impart a longitudinal movement to said rod to cause the same to co-operate with said escapement mechanism and to release the latter and a cord secured both to the drum and to the platform the arrangement being such that on operation of the actuating lever and consequent release of the escapement mechanism the drum will be rotated by REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 676,433 Hollerith June 18, 1901 1,297,145 Girth Mar. 11, 1919 1,743,277 Langford Jan. 14, 1930 2,041,085 Nevin May 19, 1936 2,111,116 Holzapfel Mar. 15, 1938 2,169,230 Martile Aug. 15, 1939 2,346,250 Bryce Apr. 11, 1944 2,392,488 Maccallum Jan. 8, 1946 

